Super Falcons’ Madugu Gets Historic Ballon d’Or Nomination

Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu writes name in Nigeria’s history books with Ballon d’Or nomination

Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Johan Cruyff Award following his success with Nigeria at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, according to Soccernet.ng.

Madugu has made a big impact as Super Falcons coach. After working under former coach Randy as an assistant, he was appointed as coach last year.

The former Adamawa United coach delivered silverware in his first major competition. He led the Super Falcons to their 10th WAFCON in Morocco.

With Madugu in charge, Nigeria won but one of all their games at the 2024 WAFCON, including an incredible comeback win against hosts Morocco in the final.

Following the Super Falcons’ success at the WAFCON, Madugu was named the coach of thr tournament. And now, he has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Johan Cruyff Award for the coach of the year.

This makes him the first-ever Nigerian coach to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or since the award started in 1956.

Justine Madugu has stiff competition for the Johan Cruyff Award. He was nominated alongside Sarina Weigman, who led England to the 2025 Women’s Euros.

Arsenal’s 36-year-old coach Renee Slegers is also on the list on nominees after leading the club to their first-ever Champions League title last season.

Arthur Elias, who led Brazil to Copa America Femenina success this year also made the cut. Then, Chelsea’s WSL-winning coach Sonia Bompastor, is also on the list.

All the nominees won significant trophies for their countries and their clubs. But Madugu will hope that he wins the award at the ceremony on September 22.